At this rate every WBS Penguin will make their NHL debut by Thanksgiving. I dont really understand it. I'm all for giving young guys their shot, but the revolving door is getting a bit bizarre. Still not sure why Megna was sent back. He was the only call up that made any sort of impact.

Not saying I agree with this notion, but could a call-up be nothing more than a reward for strong play in the AHL? Play well and get a few games in the NHL, plus a bump in pay for the time up, which could be viewed as an "incentive bonus." This could also serve as a cup of coffee to keep players motivated for the ultimate goal even though it might look like their road to the NHL is a difficult one, especially in Pittsburgh, where there are plenty of players signed to long-term deals.

I don't like what's going on with this team, the direction the team is heading in, and how certain highly paid players are playing -- but I don't think we need to criticize every minute detail. This is an inconsequential situation, and none of us know why it keeps happening. It's not impacting the team positively or negatively.

I agree with what someone mentioned above with regard to the Gibbons call up--they know they need some sort of spark and are fishing for someone in the organization to step up and provide one (even if only for a couple games). I don't know why Megna didn't get more games, though.

I like the new lines. Bennett seemed to be under-utilized, and the Malkin line needs some sort of kick-start.

Gibbons has been on a tear in WBS. Hopefully he plays the same way and brings that kind of spark. He'll be playing with Jokinen and Sutter, which is nice balanced line. Gibbons will be the finisher there.

But don't expect him to stick around for too long. His MO has been to struggle every time he makes the jump to a higher level of competition. But then once things click for him a year or two later, he tears it up.